To make a sweeping generalization, certain Americans have never been huge fans of the French. Things worsened after 9/11, and faster than you could say “freedom fries,” many people were boycotting anything that even seemed even slightly related to the country. But this didn’t deter some bands—from France, Montreal or the U.S.—from showing a little (deserved) francophone pride in their music. Below are five songs with French titles and English lyrics to help you support anglo-franco friendliness:
“Une Année Sans Lumière,” Arcade Fire
Has a French title about: A year without light.
Has English lyrics about: Enigmatic shadows, darkness and an unperceptive father. There are also some complementing French lyrics, and while expressions about the aforementioned things may not come in handy in many conversations, listening to this song is a lot cheaper (and overall more enjoyable) than Rosetta Stone.